THE highest quality field of triathletes that North Stradbroke Island has ever seen is expected this year for the eighth annual Straddie Salute at Point Lookout on Saturday, August 22.
Organisers have confirmed that six past Straddie champions have confirmed their entries this year, along with race debutant, current Oceania ITU Duathlon champion, and multiple triathlon champion, Sarah Crowley.
Race director John Guise said the organisers were thrilled that all three past Straddie Salute men's champions, Dave Brown (2008, 2014), Rob Symmons (2009 - 2011) and Steve Halliday (2012, 2013), would be on the startline plus both previous Straddie Pure (road tri) women's champions Ange Brearley (2013) and Leela Hancox (2014) along with last year's Straddie Pure men's champion James Dimsey.
"To attract an absolute star of triathlons such as Sarah Crowley underlines the credibility that the event now has in the Queensland race calendar," he said.
Crowley said she was looking forward to her first visit to the Straddie Salute.
"I'm really looking forward to the Straddie Salute because it's a great winter escape in a beautiful location and also perfect timing for my ITU World Duathlon Championships preparation," she said.
In addition to the plethora of triathlon stars attending the event, also confirmed back are Nova breakfast radio duo Kip and Luttsy along with their regular co-host and ex-Olympic swim champion Susie O'Neill, who is competing in both the triathlon and the Straddie 1000 ocean swim.
The Straddie Salute has been running since 2008 and has now expanded to include both a road triathlon 750m swim, 20km cycle, 8.5km run and an off-road triathlon 750m swim, 18km cycle, 8.5km run along with a fun run and an ocean swim.
Entries and information at www.iconevents.com.au.